The Tale of Despereaux (2008)
Synopsis:
In The Tale of Despereaux, a brave little mouse named Despereaux Tilling is born with oversized ears and a fearless heart. Unlike other mice, Despereaux is fascinated by stories of knights and adventure. His curiosity leads him to befriend Princess Pea, which is strictly forbidden in the mouse world. Meanwhile, a rat named Roscuro accidentally causes a tragic event in the kingdom, leading to his banishment. As the kingdom falls into despair, Despereaux embarks on a daring quest to save Princess Pea and restore happiness. Along the way, he encounters various challenges and characters, including a servant girl named Miggery Sow, who dreams of becoming a princess. Despereaux's courage and determination drive the story forward, as he navigates through danger and mystery in this enchanting tale.
Where To Watch: The Tale of Despereaux
Parental Feedback
The Tale of Despereaux, released in 2008, is an animated adventure film that blends elements of fantasy and drama, making it a captivating choice for kids. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its charming storytelling and the positive messages it conveys, though some express concerns about its darker themes. Overall, it offers a mix of excitement and moral lessons that resonate with young audiences.
Why Kids Should Watch The Tale of Despereaux
The movie is praised for its heartwarming narrative and valuable life lessons.
- Promotes courage and the importance of being true to oneself.
- Features a brave and endearing protagonist, Despereaux, who inspires viewers.
- Visually appealing animation that captures the imagination of children.
- Encourages empathy and understanding through its diverse characters.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Tale of Despereaux
Some parents are concerned about the film's darker and more intense scenes.
- Contains themes of loss and fear that might be challenging for sensitive children.
- Scenes involving danger and peril could be unsettling for younger viewers.
- The film's tone shifts between lighthearted and somber, which may confuse some kids.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its darker themes and intense moments.
What Parents Should Know About The Tale of Despereaux
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Despereaux demonstrates bravery and kindness, encouraging children to be courageous and compassionate. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The film explores themes of loss and redemption, which may require parental guidance to fully understand. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Characters face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the importance of making good choices. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork and friendship are highlighted as characters work together to overcome challenges. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the power of courage and forgiveness, delivered through Despereaux's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Tale of Despereaux is celebrated for its engaging story and positive messages about courage and empathy. While some parents note the film's darker elements, these can be opportunities for meaningful discussions with children. Parental guidance can help navigate these themes, making the movie a valuable experience. For those seeking similar films, consider titles like "Ratatouille" or "Finding Nemo" for their balance of adventure and heartwarming lessons.
Official The Tale of Despereaux Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux's most common core values include Bravery, Courage, and Determination. Throughout the movie, Despereaux, a small mouse with a big heart, consistently demonstrates bravery by facing challenges that others shy away from. His courage is evident when he stands up for what he believes is right, even when it means going against the norms of his Community. Determination is a driving force in Despereaux's journey, as he never gives up on his quest to bring light and happiness back to the kingdom. These values are highlighted through Despereaux's interactions with other characters and the obstacles he overcomes, teaching kids the importance of standing firm in their Beliefs and pursuing their goals with tenacity.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Empathy | Forgiveness | Loyalty | Perseverance | Respect | Self-discovery | Standing up for what's right | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Tale of Despereaux
Believing in Yourself: In the tale, Despereaux stands out from the other mice because he believes in his own unique abilities and dreams. Despite being different, he doesn't let others' doubts deter him from pursuing his passion for adventure and stories. This teaches kids the importance of self-confidence and trusting in their own potential.
Embracing Differences: The story highlights the value of accepting and appreciating differences through Despereaux's friendships with characters from various backgrounds. Children learn that diversity enriches relationships and that understanding others' perspectives can lead to meaningful connections.
Finding Courage: Despereaux's journey is filled with challenges that require bravery. His willingness to face danger to help others demonstrates to kids that true courage involves standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult or scary.
Being True to Yourself: Despereaux's refusal to conform to the expectations of his mouse community shows children the importance of staying true to one's own values and identity. His actions encourage kids to embrace their individuality and not be swayed by peer pressure.
Practicing Empathy: The interactions between characters in the story emphasize the significance of empathy. By understanding and sharing the feelings of others, Despereaux and his friends are able to bridge divides and work together, teaching children the power of compassion and kindness.
Other Lessons Learned: Bridging Divides | Choosing Right Over Easy | Making a Difference | Standing Up for Others | Valuing Inner Beauty | Overcoming Failure | Supporting Your Friends | Never Giving Up
Why Kids Love The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux invites kids into a magical kingdom where a tiny mouse with big ears and an even bigger heart embarks on an epic quest. Despereaux's world is filled with talking animals and hidden kingdoms, sparking the imagination with every twist and turn. Kids will be thrilled by the brave heroes and smart problem-solvers they meet along the way, as Despereaux teams up with unexpected friends to save the day. The movie is a whirlwind of adventure, with epic quests and daring rescues that keep young viewers on the edge of their seats.
The enchanting setting, complete with animal friends and mysterious castles, creates a captivating backdrop for Despereaux's journey. As he navigates through danger and mystery, kids will be enchanted by the colorful characters and the exciting challenges they face together. With its mix of humor, action, and heartwarming moments, The Tale of Despereaux is a delightful adventure that captures the imagination and keeps kids entertained from beginning to end.